UK: Rabbis condemn Israel in latest show of Jewish opposition to Gaza war

A group of rabbis in the UK have condemned Israel’s assault on Gaza in the latest public indication of growing dissent and opposition to the conflict within British Jewish communities.

In a letter published in the Financial Times on Friday, 30 Jewish religious leaders called on Israel to end its renewed bombing campaign and to allow aid into Gaza.

They also appeared to show support for 36 members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the UK’s largest representative Jewish organisation, who are facing disciplinary action after speaking out about the conflict.

Referring to a previous letter in the same newspaper, in which the 36 board members said they could no longer “turn a blind eye or remain silent”, the rabbis said they were also “horrified” by Israel’s actions.

“We feel it is our duty to remind Israel’s leaders of the core Jewish teaching that war can never be waged for revenge or expansion. The Israeli government must uphold international law, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza,” they wrote.

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

“We stand with all those in Israel-Palestine seeking to bring about a just and lasting peace. We share in their call for an end to the bombing; an end to the siege; and the safe release of the hostages.”

The rabbis' intervention appears to hint at growing frustration and impatience within British Jewish communities towards the staunchly pro-Israel stance and claims to leadership of conservative Jewish institutions such as the Board of Deputies.

Signatories of the letter include prominent figures within both Reform Judaism and Liberal Judaism.

Among them are Robyn Ashworth-Steen, co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors; Paul Freedman, senior rabbi at Radlett Reform Synagogue; Laura Janner-Klausner, rabbi at Bromley Reform Synagogue; Jeffrey Newman, emeritus rabbi at Finchley Reform Synagogue; and Gabriel Kanter-Webber, rabbi at Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue.

The letter's publication comes after the Board of Deputies suspended a member of its executive committee and began disciplinary proceedings against all 36 members who signed last week’s letter to the FT.

That letter was described by the FT as the “the first public show of opposition” to Israel’s war by members of the board, which refers to itself as “the voice of the British Jewish Community”.

'Israel’s soul is being ripped out'

As well as condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for breaking the ceasefire in Gaza, the letter also condemned violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and accused the government of "extremism" which threatened Israeli democracy.

"Israel’s soul is being ripped out and we, members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, fear for the future of the Israel we love and have such close ties to," they wrote. 

But the letter was quickly denounced by the board’s leadership. Chief executive Michael Wegier accused the signatories of “misrepresenting our community”, while its president Phil Rosenberg noted that the letter was only signed by about 10 percent of the board's members. 

After meeting Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in London last week, Rosenberg wrote on social media: “Jewish leadership is standing up for peace & security in Israel & the Middle East: Getting hostages out, defeating Hamas, pursuing lasting peace & security. Unity is strength. Division serves only our enemies.”

Middle East Eye has asked the Board of Deputies for comment.

middleeasteye.net